THE PRAYERS

Let us come before the Lord with true hearts, trusting that he will hear and answer our prayers on behalf of the Church, the world, and all people according to their need.

A brief silence

Lord, clothe your Church with the joy of your salvation; cover it with the righteousness of Christ; and adorn it with the jewels of your Word and Sacraments, so that through it, the poor may hear the Good News, the sorrowful may be comforted, and those held captive to sin and death may experience the wonderful freedom of your salvation.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Restore the fortunes of Christians who are persecuted for confessing Jesus as Savior and Lord. Turn their weeping into rejoicing; and cause those who hate them to repent and believe in the Good News.

Lord, in your mercy, Hear our prayer.

Bless and guide the people of this congregation. Give us faithful hearts; ears attentive to your Word; eyes which see the needs of others; hands skilled in building up the body of Christ; and tongues swift to pray, forgive, and encourage. Look with favor upon our sister congregations, and upon your missionaries around the world.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Bless our elementary school children with faith and joy as they look to Christmas as the coming of the greatest gift, your Son Jesus.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Anoint the rulers of the world with your Spirit, so that, like you, they love justice and hate evil. Use them to repair lives and cities ruined by bloodshed and cruelty. Direct their words and their works in your truth; establish your peace among the nations. Transform us all, so we may be called trees of righteousness, the planting of the Lord: bearing much fruit to your glory, and for the building up of your people.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Until your great and acceptable day has dawned, good people must risk their lives for the sake of justice, liberty, and safety. Shield, strengthen and direct them. Help them to serve with competence and integrity. Keep them from harm; heal and raise them when they falter. Give them a joyful reunion with their loved ones when their task is done.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Grant your healing to the brokenhearted and to all who suffer in body, mind or spirit, especially {LIST}. Give them beauty for ashes; the oil of joy for mourning; and the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness. Strengthen all who care for them; and give them, and all of us, your everlasting joy.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Most holy Father, we entrust to your care all who have died trusting your promises. We thank you for their lives; and we thank you for making them—and us—your servants: a royal priesthood and holy nation, your children and portion whom you have blessed. Bring us into the beauty of holy Zion, where with all the redeemed, we shall be adorned as a bride for our heavenly Bridegroom, the Lamb of God who has taken away the sins of the whole world, our Savior Jesus Christ.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Graciously answer our prayers according to the love you bear for your people through your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Let us come before the Lord with true hearts, trusting that he will hear and answer our prayers on behalf of the Church, the world, and all people according to their need.

A brief silence

Heavenly Father, prepare your Church for the coming of your Son. From valleys of lukewarm worship and half-hearted service, raise it to heights of praise and compassion. Level mountains of false teaching and self-importance; and lead it along level pathways of faithfulness and humility, so that many may journey to your Kingdom.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Be merciful to our persecuted brothers and sisters who proclaim the name of Jesus even amidst their enemies. Make their witness to shine as a light in the world’s darkest places. And pierce the hearts of their tormentors with the truth of the Gospel.

Lord, in your mercy, Hear our prayer.

Prepare the people of this congregation for the coming of our Savior. Help us to exalt the humble; to bring low the mountains of self-will in our lives; and to make level pathways for leading others to Jesus. Look with favor upon our sister congregations, and upon and your missionaries around the world.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Prepare the hearts of our children for the coming of their dear Savior. Protect and bless them; and help us teach them to love Jesus and to trust him always.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Prepare the world for the coming of its King. Grant wisdom to our leaders, to raise their people from depths of poverty and despair. Level the mountains of injustice and arrogance throughout the world. We earnestly pray that nation would no longer raise sword against nation; and we beseech you to guide all people in the pathways of your righteousness and peace.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Prepare the hearts of first responders and military personnel for the coming of the King of Peace. Raise up every deed which brings safety to dangerous places. Level mountains of suspicion and misunderstanding; and lead those we pray for along level pathways to their homes and loved ones.

Lord, in your mercy,

hear our prayer.

Prepare the hearts of those who suffer for the coming of Christ, the Great Physician. We lift before you the needs of: {LIST}. Raise them up from sickness and sorrow; lay low the mountains of pain; and by your Son’s gentle hand, lead them and their loved ones along level pathways into health and hope.

Lord, in your mercy,

hear our prayer.

Holy God, we thank you for keeping in your tender care all who have died trusting in your promises, especially: {LIST}. Prepare our hearts for the near approach of our Savior, who raises us up from death’s dark valley; who brings down the mountains of your wrath at our sins; and who leads us along level roads of faith, hope, and love into your welcoming and eternal embrace.

Lord, in your mercy,

hear our prayer.

Graciously answer our prayers according to the love you bear for your people through your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Let us come before the Lord with true hearts, trusting that he will hear and answer our prayers on behalf of the Church, the world, and all people according to their need.

A brief silence

Tear open the heavens, O Lord; and visit your people with salvation. Anoint your Church with your Holy Spirit. Make it radiant with holiness, lovely with compassion, and bright with faithfulness. Fill it with hope as it awaits the coming of your Son in power and great glory.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Tear open the heavens, O Lord; and visit your people with salvation. Come with healing and gladness for your suffering disciples; and make their words and deeds shine with your goodness and your glory. Give the grace of repentance to their tormentors; and draw all people to yourself.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Tear open the heavens, O Lord; and visit your people with salvation. Anoint this congregation with your Holy Spirit, and make us generous in sharing the grace you have bestowed on us in your Son. Use us to lift up the heads and hearts of our neighbors and those in need, so that with us, they eagerly the day of his return as victorious Lord of all. Look with favor upon our sister congregations, and upon your missionaries around the world.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Tear open the heavens, O Lord; and visit your people with salvation. Give wisdom and prudence to those who lead the nations. Make them good stewards of the authority granted them. Bless our nation with peace, prosperity, and justice in these difficult and uncertain times; and teach us all to care for one another until your son comes as our great Lord of might.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Tear open the heavens, O Lord; and visit your people with salvation. Give courage, honor, and strength to those who serve our country, here and abroad. Grant healing to those who have been wounded; patience and hope to their loved ones; and a swift, safe homecoming to them all.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Tear open the heavens, O Lord; and visit your people with salvation. Kindle hope within the hearts of all who suffer – especially {List}. Bring them comfort and healing; give their caretakers patience and compassion; and to those who are despairing, imprisoned, abandoned, and dying, bestow the presence of your Son, the Dayspring who puts death’s shadows to flight.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Tear open the heavens, O Lord; and visit your people with salvation. We remember before you all those to whom you have given victory over the grave. Anoint us with your Spirit, disperse the clouds of gloom and grief that overshadow us; and lead us to our heavenly home, opened to us by the Key of David, your Son, our Savior Jesus Christ.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Graciously answer our prayers according to the love you bear for your people through your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Scripture Lessons

1 Samuel 3:1-20 (the call of Samuel to be a prophet)

Psalm 139:1-6, 13-18 (I am fearfully and wonderfully made;

you knew me in the womb)

1 Corinthians 6:12-20 (the body made for the Lord; you are a temple

for the Holy Spirit)

John 1:43-51 (Jesus calls Philip and Nathaniel)

Hymns

Opening hymn: LBW #250, Open Now Thy Gates of Beauty (LSB #901, ELW #533)

OR LBW #311, Wondrous Are Your Ways, O God – paraphrase of the psalm, but tune wanders a bit.)

Hymn of the Day: WOV #649, I Want to Walk as a Child of the Light

(LSB #411, ELW #815)

OR LBW #455, “Come, Follow Me” the Savior Spake (LSB #688 ELW #799)

OR LSB #589, Speak, O Lord, Your Servant Listens (Excellent for tying Old

Testament and Gospel together!)

Communion Hymn #1: LBW #406, Take My Life, That I May Be

(LSB 783/4, Take My Life, and Let It Be, ELW #583, 685. Go figure.)

Communion Hymn #2: WOV #699, Blessed Assurance (ELW #638)

Closing Hymn: WOV #723, The Spirit Sends Us Forth to Serve

OR LBW #239, God’s Word is Our Great Heritage (LSB #582, ELW #509)

Scripture Lessons

Genesis 1:1-5 (God creates light);

Psalm 29 (the voice of the Lord upon the waters);

Acts 19:1-7 (baptism in name of Jesus);

Mark 1:4-11 (the Baptism of Jesus)

Hymns

Opening hymn: LBW #233, Thy Strong Word Didst Cleave the Darkness (LSB #578)

Hymn of Praise/prior to baptism or renewal of baptismal promises:

LBW #188, I Bind Unto Myself Today (LSB #604, ELW #450)

Hymn of the Day: LBW #83, From God the Father, Virgin-Born (LSB #401

(Why, yes, I can suggest a more familiar tune. Thanks for asking! The Doxology; From Heaven Above To Earth I Come; or Lord Keep Us Steadfast In Your Word will all work. Depending on whether you have already used the first two elsewhere in the season, the latter might be a good choice.)

OR WOV #647, When Jesus Came to Jordan (ELW #305)

OR ELW #454, Remember and Rejoice (very familiar tune)

OR ELW #304, Christ, When for Us You Were Baptized (ditto!)

Communion Hymn #1: LBW #191, Praise and thanksgiving Be to God Our Maker

(tune is familiar – Father Most Holy, Merciful and Tender)

OR WOV #698, We Were Baptized in Christ Jesus (ELW #452, We ARE

Baptized in Christ Jesus) A piece of trivia: Ouilmette is the old French/Indian name for Wilmette, the town on the north shore of the Chicago area where my brother and sister-in-law live. Just thought you’d like to know.)

OR WOV #697, Wash, O God, Our Sons and Daughters

Communion Hymn #2: LBW #548, O Worship the King (LSB #804, ELW #842)

Closing Hymn: LBW #87, Hail to the Lord’s Anointed (LSB #398, ELW #311)

Scripture Lessons

Isaiah 60:1-6 (Arise, shine, for your light has come! God’s dispersed people are gathered in;

the nations come and worship)

Psalm 72: 1-15 (Give the King your justice, O God; may he rule with righteousness)

Ephesians 3:1-12 (Gentiles are now fellow heirs, sharers of the promise of salvation in Christ; Paul’s ministry is to disclose this mystery to all people)

Matthew 2:1-12 (Magi worship infant Jesus)

Hymns

Opening hymn: LBW #75, Bright and Glorious is the Sky (ELW #301)

Hymn of Praise: LBW #47, Let All Together Praise Our God (LSB #389, ELW #287)

Hymn of the Day: LBW #81, O Chief of Cities, Bethlehem (I suggest singing to

“From Heaven Above to Earth I Come”)

OR LSB #399, The Star Proclaims the King is Here (same theme as “O Chief

of Cities, same meter, so if its tune is unfamiliar, sing this to “From

Heaven Above”)

OR LBW #82, As With Gladness Men of Old (LSB #397, ELW #302)

Communion Hymn #1: LBW #84, Brightest and Best of the Stars of the Morning

(LSB #400, ELW #303)

Communion Hymn #2: WOV #646, We Three Kings of Orient Are

OR LBW #546, When Morning Gilds the Skies (LSB #807,ELW #853)

Closing Hymn: LBW #76, O Morning Star, How Fair and Bright

(LSB #395, ELW #308)

Scripture Lessons

Isaiah 61:10—62:3 (I will exult in God, who has clothed me with salvation;

Zion will shine with the vindication of God, and all nations will see it!)

Psalm 111 (God has sent redemption; the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom)

(ELW: Psalm 148)

Galatians 4:4-7 (God sent his Son under the law, adopts us as children

so we may say Abba)

Luke 2:22-40 (The Holy Family in the temple)

Hymns

Opening hymn: LBW #55, Good Christian Friends, Rejoice (ELW #288)

OR LSB #386, Now Sing We, Now Rejoice (same tune, different lyrics)

OR LSB #362, O Sing of Christ (easy English folk tune)

OR LBW #53, Cold December Flies Away (ELW #299)

Hymn of Praise: LBW #47, Let All Together Praise Our God (LSB #389 ELW #287)

Hymn of the Day: LBW #184, In His Temple Now Behold Him (if tune is unfamiliar

– though it is easy – sing this to Regent Square, #50, Angels From the

Realms of Glory, which is what ELW #417 uses!)

OR LSB #519, (which has the wonderful “Westminster” as the tune, which is

an alternate tune for “Christ is Made the Sure Foundation)

Communion Hymn #1: LBW #40, What Child is This (LSB #370, ELW #296)

Communion Hymn #2: LBW #44, Infant Holy, Infant Lowly (LSB #393, ELW #276)

Closing Hymn: LBW #339, O Lord, Now Let Your Servant (ELW #313)

OR LSB #937, Lord, Bid Your Servant Go In Peace

OR my hymn paraphrase of the Nunc Dimitis, sung to “The Bells of Christmas Chime Once More” or to “From Heaven Above to Earth I Come”

Lord, let your servant go in peace, your faithful Word you have fulfilled.

This Word made flesh I now embrace: the sure salvation you have willed!

With my own eyes I see the lamp of glory giv’n to Israel,

The light for nations lost; the peace that makes your wounded people well.

Glory and praise, blest Trinity, dear Father, Holy Spirit, Son,

Your light no darkness overtakes, while endless ages ever run!

Scripture Lessons

Isaiah 52:7-10 (Beautiful on mountain are feet of those announcing peace,

salvation of God)

Psalm 98 (Sing a new song, all creation; God judges with equity, righteousness)

Hebrews 1:1-12 (God speaks to us through his Son, who is greater than angels)

John 1:1-14 (The Word is made flesh!)

Hymns

Opening hymn: LBW #50, Angels, From the Realms of Glory (LSB #367, ELW #275)

OR LSB #378, Break Forth, O Beauteous Heavenly Light

Hymn of Praise: LBW #71, Angels We Have Heard on High (LSB #368, ELW #289)

Hymn of the Day: LBW #42, Of the Father’s Love Begotten (LSB #384, ELW #295)

OR LSB #383, A Great and Mighty Wonder (tune is “The Church’s One

Foundation,” so it’s easy to sing)

Communion Hymn #1: LBW #56, The First Noel ELW #300)

Communion Hymn #2: ELW #294, In the Bleak Midwinter

OR LBW #70, Go Tell It on the Mountain (LSB #388, ELW #290)

Closing Hymn: LBW #62, The Bells of Christmas Chime Once More (ELW #298)

Scripture Lessons

Isaiah 9:2-11 (Those in darkness have seen a great light; unto us a child is born)

Psalm 96 (great is the Lord; bring offerings, all nations!)

itus 2:11-14 (God’s grace revealed in the flesh, gives strength to be upright, pious)

Luke 2:1-20 (The birth of Jesus and visitation of the shepherds)

Opening hymn: LBW #45, O Come, All Ye Faithful (LSB #379, ELW #283)

Hymn of Praise: LBW #60, Hark the Herald Angels Sing (LSB #380, ELW #270)

Hymn of Day: LBW #51, From Heaven Above to Earth I Come

(LSB #358, ELW #268)

OR WOV #638, Holy Child Within the Manger (a nice Marty Haugen piece)

Communion Hymn #1: LBW #72, ‘Twas In the Moon of Wintertime (ELW #284)

OR WOV #643, Once in Royal David’s City (LSB #376, ELW #269)

Communion Hymn #2: LBW #69, I Am So Glad Each Christmas Eve (ELW #271)

Communion Hymn #3: LBW #44, Infant Holy, Infant Lowly (LSB #393, ELW #276)

Hymn during candle lighting: LBW #65, Silent Night, Holy Night

(LSB #363, ELW #281)

Closing Hymn: LBW #39, Joy to the World (LSB #387, ELW #267)

Scripture Lessons

2 Samuel 7:1-11,16 (David won’t build God’s house; God promises David’s house will endure)

Luke 1:46b-55 (Magnificat) (ELW alternate: Psalm 89:1-4, 19-26)

Romans 16:25-27 (Mysteries long hidden now revealed; final blessing)

Luke 1:26-38 (Annunciation of Gabriel to Mary)

Hymns

Opening hymn: (if you didn’t use this the 1^st Sunday in Advent. Or, heck, even if

you did!) LBW #34, O Come, O Come, Emmanuel (LSB #357, ELW #257)

Hymn of the Day: LBW #180, My Soul Now Magnifies the Lord

(LSB #934, ELW #573)

OR LSB #929, I Will Greatly Rejoice in the Lord (Chanted Canticle)

WOV #632, The Angel Gabriel From Heaven Came (LSB #356, ELW #265)

Communion Hymn #1: LSB #546, O Jesus So Sweet, O Jesus So Mild

OR LBW #41, O Little Town of Bethlehem (LSB #361, ELW #279)

Communion Hymn #2: LSB #359, Lo, How A Rose E’er Blooming (ELW #272) (both

use the words and harmonization everyone knows; otherwise, make do

with LBW #58)

Closing Hymn: LBW #57, Let Our Gladness Have No End (LSB #381, ELW #291)

OR WOV #730, My Soul Proclaims Your Greatness (ELW #251)